Arts and Culture department appoints new contractor to restore Winnie’s home

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's Brandfort house finally looks like it will become the museum it has meant to be for the last 11 years.

BRANDFORT, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 06: The house where the late Struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was banished and spent almost nine years on April 06, 2018 in Brandfort, South Africa. In July 2012, it was reported that the Free State government, led by Premier Ace Magashule set aside R3-million for the project. Another R2.5-million tender reportedly went out in early 2013. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Moeletsi Mabe)

Since the death of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, there has been a renewed uproar over the state of her former house in Brandfort. The house is currently in tatters and has been “in the process” of being made into a museum for the last 11 years. Now, the Brandfort house has a new contractor and a national department overseeing it.

The Department of Arts and Culture has released a statement looking to remedy the public perception that nothing has been done to restore the house. The department’s Asanda Magaqa explained that the house had consistently been given priority and due attention.

Magaqa also revealed that the department had multiple personal engagements with Madikizela-Mandela in the months leading up to her death. The family and the Winnie Mandela Foundation have also been involved in ongoing discussions.

The department has now confirmed that Risimati Consulting Engineers had entered into an agreement on March 13. The company’s most recent consultation with Rismati was on 7 April.

Rismati will be tasked with restoring the house and destroyed clinic in order to convert them to interpretative spaces. A multi-purpose centre with Wi-Fi and parking facilities will also be built.

Over the last 12 months, reports have emerged of the dilapidated site being used by criminals and drug addicts. As a result, the Magaqa says the building has been secured.

“As a result, the site continues to be under 24-hour surveillance in order to ensure that this prized historical site and important legacy project is under guard and safe from vandalism or being caused to deteriorate until the new contractors are on site.”

The Free State provincial government had originally promised to turn the house into a museum. Outgoing premier Ace Magashule has come under heavy fire for his failings.

During a memorial service for Madikizela-Mandela, former finance minister Trevor Manuel hit out at Magashule directly.

“The restoration of the house in Brandfort was budgeted for years ago. [Ace] Magashule has taken 11 years to fulfil his commitment. He speaks about the money as if it has disappeared,” Manuel told the churchgoers.

Initially, R3m was made available to refurbish the house. A contractor was appointed in 2013 but the contract was terminated a year later.